SkyView
Airplane Flight Manual Supplement, Rev N,
10/23/2020
Page | 9-1
9 Supplements
9.1 Autopilot
The SkyView HDX Autopilot system is an optional, digitally controlled two-axis (roll and pitch) or
three-axis (roll, pitch, and yaw) control system that provides flight path control functions to the
pilot. The Autopilot can follow a heading by reference to the compass, follow direction over the
ground by reference to GPS track information, or navigate according to a CDI when coupled to
SkyView’s internal VFR GPS navigation data, or when coupled to external navigation source
providing VOR, localizer, cross track error or GPS navigation data.
The Autopilot can also hold altitude, and transition between altitudes at either a selected climb
rate or airspeed. The Autopilot will also follow vertical guidance including glideslope and
glidepath information when coupled to an external navigation source.
On some airplanes, the Autopilot may also have an optional third servo connected to the rudder.
The rudder servo acts as a yaw damper to reduce and prevent yaw excursions while cruising or
maneuvering, whenever the Autopilot is engaged. The Yaw Damper (YD) function may also be
activated during manual flight (see Section
All Autopilot modes are annunciated visually on the PFD in a space reserved specifically for this
purpose called the Autopilot Information Bar (see
). Visual and voice aural alerts are
provided when the Autopilot is engaged, disengaged, the Autopilot mode is changed, or the
Autopilot encounters a limit condition.
The Autopilot may be activated and deactivated by the pilot by several means, including on-
screen AP icons, an optional push button mounted on the panel or control yoke, as well as the
optional Autopilot control panel (see
).
In the event of a mechanical jam or failure in the servo motor, there is a frangible link called a
shear screw for each servo that can be broken by the pilot (see Section
for more information.). This frees the controls from the servo so that the
airplane can continue to be flown manually.
If for any reason the pilot wishes to stop the autopilot from functioning, the servos can be
electrically disabled via the AP Power switch mounted to the instrument panel.
Autopilot / Yaw Damper Override
If the airplane flight path needs to be temporarily adjusted from the current Autopilot and/or Yaw
Damper trajectory, then simply maneuver the airplane using the flight controls. Doing so will
make the Autopilot servos slip, and while maneuvering, servo forces will be felt in the flight
controls. Upon release of the flight controls, the Autopilot and/or Yaw Damper resumes normal
operation.
